NINDS:43 The diagnostic category of pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) refers to a group of disorders characterized by delays
in the development of socialization and communication skills. Parents may note symptoms as early as infancy, although the
typical age of onset is before 3 years of age. Symptoms may include problems with using and understanding language; difficulty
relating to people, objects, and events; unusual play with toys and other objects; difficulty with changes in routine or familiar
surroundings, and repetitive body movements or behavior patterns. Autism (a developmental brain disorder characterized by
impaired social interaction and communication skills, and a limited range of activities and interests) is the most characteristic
and best studied PDD. Other types of PDD include Asperger's Syndrome, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder, and Rett's Syndrome.
Children with PDD vary widely in abilities, intelligence, and behaviors. Some children do not speak at all, others speak in
limited phrases or conversations, and some have relatively normal language development. Repetitive play skills and limited
social skills are generally evident. Unusual responses to sensory information, such as loud noises and lights, are also common.

Disease Ontology:9 A developmental disorder of mental health that refers to a group of five disorders characterized by impairments in socialization and communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors.

Possible evidence for a fall in the prevalence of high-functioning pervasive developmental disorder with age? (22937245)

Balfe M.... Campbell M.

2011

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Analysis of Copper and Zinc Plasma Concentration and the Efficacy of Zinc Therapy in Individuals with Asperger's Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS) and Autism. (22174567)

Russo A.J.... DeVito R.

2011

14

Aripiprazole improves social interaction in Taiwanese children with pervasive developmental disorder. (20438675)